PSY 281 - Educational Psychology

1. Distinguish key concepts and principles in educational psychology
   1. Identify psychological concepts related to education
   2. Describe patterns of physical, cognitive, linguistic, and socioemotional development from preschool through high school
   3. Summarize the Taxonomy of Educational Objectives as it relates to instructional planning
2. Examine psychological theories as they apply to teaching and learning
   1. Compare theories of cognitive development such as information processing model, Piaget’s theory of cognitive development and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory
   2. Explain Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development as it applies to learners at different levels of the educational system
   3. Demonstrate an understanding of behavioral theories of learning as they apply to teaching and learning
   4. Describe development of moral reasoning including theories like Kohlberg’s theory of moral development
   5. Discuss theories of motivation from behavioral, social learning, cognitive and humanistic perspectives
   6. Summarize influences on intelligence and associated theories
3. Use scientific reasoning to examine educational psychology as it applies to teaching and learning
   1. Describe research methods and research designs used in educational research
   2. Summarize the basic ethical guidelines for conducting educational research
   3. Explain the concepts of reliability and validity
4. Use educational psychology to strengthen personal and professional relationships and build community
   1. Identify individual, gender, and multicultural differences as they impact learning and teaching
   2. Discuss educational environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation
   3. Explain instructional strategies that address issues of diversity and equity in the classroom and ensure that individual student learning needs remain the central focus of instruction
   4. Describe individual differences in learners to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards
5. Develop competence in writing and/or verbal communication skills
   1. Apply critical thinking and writing skills to educational psychology topics
   2. Summarize information from standard texts, research journals, and popular media regarding educational psychology
   3. Show effective communication using accepted grammar, punctuation and spelling
6. Apply educational psychology content and skills to personal and career goals
   1. Describe characteristics of effective teachers
   2. Demonstrate an understanding of effective classroom management techniques
   3. Give examples of different approaches to and uses of classroom evaluation, grading, and standardization testing
   4. Demonstrate integrating technology into instruction to support student learning
   5. Identify opportunities to engage in ongoing professional learning